The 37-year old, who is currently plying his trade with Qatari side Al-Sadd, won 24 trophies during his 17 seasons at the Nou Camp.

His impressive collection of career memorabilia includes eight league titles, three Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, three Copa del Reys, six Spanish Supercups and two FIFA Club World Cups.

The former Spanish international claims there could be devastating effects on the competition if Barca were to be eliminated at the last 16 stage.

He said: “If Barca can’t turn it around in the second leg – and I still think they have chance – then of course it will have an impact on the overall competition.

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“They are one of the favourites to win the tournament, and if I’m not wrong, it would be the first time in the last eight years that they have been knocked out at this stage in the competition.”

PSG midfielder Marco Verratti suggested last month that he would be open to a move to Barcelona. The 24-year old Italian is widely considered as Xavi’s natural successor and the former Barca star admits he sees the likeness, too.

He said: “He [Marco Verratti] is an amazing player. Actually, for me, he was the best player on the pitch in the first leg against Barca.

“It’s true that we have some similarities. We are both midfielders, we try to manage the game but we are not physically strong. I think we also have a similar vision of the game.”